The Allen Civic Ballet hosted the ninth annual "Allen Dance Festival" on Saturday evening at the Allen Civic Auditorium. Over 150 people attended the program which consisted of a mixed repertory. Allen Civic Ballet dancers performed in original works as well as excerpts from the classics such as "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," "Le Corsaire," "Raymonda," "La Bayadere," and "Pas de Quatre." The group Dancing Minds and Bodies returned to the festival again this year, bringing their diversity to the program. Two companies were new to the event: balletfoundation for the XXIst Century performed a ballet in the Spanish style, and B Squared showcased the cutting edge choreography of Juilliard graduate, Brynt Beitman. "It was great sharing the stage with all these talented dancers," says Allen Civic Ballet company dancer, Taylor Muller, an Allen resident and sophomore at Lovejoy High School.

Company dancer Shea Johnson danced the male solo from "Le Corsaire," which he is planning on performing during the first round of the International Ballet Competition in Varna this summer, which is the most prestigious event in the ballet profession. The Allen Civic Ballet has secured a grant from the Allen Arts Alliance to help fund Shea's trip to the competition. "I'm really grateful for the opportunity to perform here and the support I'm receiving to further my career," says Johnson.

The Allen Civic Ballet can next be seen onstage at the "Dance for the Planet" festival the weekend of April 26-27. For more information, call 972-727-5959 or visit www.allencivicballet.org